WASHINGTON - The Georgetown University women's tennis team defeated BIG EAST powerhouse DePaul by a score of 4-3 on Saturday. With the win, the Hoyas improved to 11-4 and 1-1 in BIG EAST Conference play while DePaul fell to 10-7 and 1-2 in conference play. This is the first time that Georgetown has defeated DePaul in program history.

"It was extra special to have my former captains and No. 1's, Stephanie Wetmore, Lauren Greco and Sophie Panarese all there," said Head Coach Gordie Ernst. "They've all suffered some losses to traditional BIG EAST powerhouse, DePaul, and they were so excited to see us finally beat them for the first time in program history.

GU picked up a hard-fought doubles point. At No. 3, Cecelia Lynham (Chevy Chase, Md./Holton Arms School) and Drew Spinosa (Claremont, Calif./Claremont) got things started by winning 6-2. The point was clinched when Casey Marx (Mendham, N.J./West Morris Mendham) and Victoire Saperstein (Las Vegas, Nev./Odyssey Charter School) won at No. 2 by a score of 6-0.

"We've worked so much on doubles, and for everyone to step up and to see that come to fruition in one day against a great team, as a coach, that's what it's all about", said Ernst.

Saperstein continued her strong play into singles by picking up the first win at No. 1, 6-3, 6-1. Risa Nakagawa (Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif./Palos Verdes Peninsula) won at No. 3 by a score of 6-4, 6-4 to take a 3-0 lead. DePaul then won the next two completed matches to pull the score to 3-2. However, Spinosa stopped the bleeding by picking up the win at No. 6, 6-0, 6-3 and clinching the match.

"Victoire led the way getting our first wins in singles and doubles, she played her best tennis of the year," said Ernst. "She rises up to the challenge and had lost to the same opponent twice last year so she was really fired up to play her."

Georgetown returns to the court on Friday, April 21 when they host Navy for a match at 11 a.m.